I think it means a lot of different things to different people. For me, being fearless is all about my independence. I'm a self sufficient, independent lady, and I'm real proud of that. That doesn't mean I never need help or I don't know how to ask for help. No. It means I'm a strong-willed, never give up, get shit done, do-er.

Growing up, I never wanted anyone to form opinions solely off my gender or looks. Yeah, I had my own personal style, and I rocked it even if it wasn't the sequin covered PINK leggings errrryy gal was wearing. But I also wanted to be known for my talents, my brains, and my achievements. I was hustlin' hard from the beginning. In high school, it was AP classes galore, all-state gymnastics, NHS, volunteering, starting my own photography business, all-conference pole vaulting, and some attempt at a social life. To me, those experiences are what developed me into that fearless young lady that I am today.

For Sydney (my rockin' senior rep from the Class of 2018), it's something a little different. Yeah, she's involved in things at school like SAAD, Student Council, and dance, however, to her, being fearless is wholeheartedly being herself no matter what. Even though she's only 17, she recognizes that not everyone is going to approve of what you do. They're going to talk. They're going to gossip. They're going to laugh. However, she remains fearless by not changing herself for the sake of others. She said, "I think a part of it is knowing people are not going to agree with every single thing you do, and you might fail a few times throughout that, but being fearless is being able to pick yourself back up after those failures and letdowns." Smart gal, I think.

I am now booking the fearless members of the Class of 2018. If you have something bold to say, and are willing to get vulnerable for me and my camera, let's chat. I want to know what you're proud of yourself for, what makes you tick, and what makes you fearless. Get at me!

When I asked Ellie what she's most proud of herself for, she replied, "For being able to be myself and not care about what people think." I admire Ellie for this. Her big personality shows through via that gorgeous smile and positive energy and she's completely and totally her. You do you, girl. (insert praising hands emoji)

When I was in high school, I probably cared too much what people thought of me. Although always wholeheartedly my weird, nerdy, quirky self, I would sometimes catch myself saying or doing things based off the group of people I was in. To this day, I'm still a people pleaser, but I've realized I don't have to sacrifice a bit of myself in order to make people happy. The good ones are going to appreciate the weird things you do that make you, you. In fact, most people say my witty charm and relentless sarcasm is what makes me so special. Or, at least my mom does.

Congrats, babes from the Class of 2017. You were one kiiiiiiller group.

Minneapolis Wedding Photographer // This is gonna be one long post. Feel free to read my rambles; feel free to skip to the photos.

Here we are again. A year in review. *Hello, nice to see you again*

Last year, big things happened. This year, all that kind of went to shit, and to be honest, I'm totally okay with all of it. Shit happened. I recovered from it. I learned from it. I grew from it. I'm still here.

My boyfriend, of nearly 4 years, and I broke up. He moved out after only a year of living together, which makes it sound like I'm/we're a huge failure. Moving in together is a big deal: the next step in a relationship. I naively thought we'd end up together, but looking back, it was never going to work. Am I a failure? Fuck no. Did I make mistakes? Yes. Did he? Yes. Is it the end of the world? No.

I joked that I got the apartment in the "divorce," but to be honest, I was bat shit scared of being alone. I think I was more concerned about that than being devastated over the breakup. Being a wedding photographer, I see couples on the happiest days of their lives, and although it's the love on the happiest day of their life, it's the love that's endured through the not so glamorous things. I pride myself as a tough & independent lady, but I still want to love and be loved in the way that I see my couples love each other. Somewhere in the mix, we lost that.

I was afraid of being alone, because I am an introvert. Contrary to popular belief, I struggle with social anxiety. I struggle with getting myself out of the house, and have to congratulate myself when doing so. I am perfectly fine with being alone, and find solace with it. Thankfully, my social anxiety is not something that cripples me, however, I relied on him too much to be my crutch. And I never want to be that girl that relies on a boy. I'm better than that. We're all better than that.

There was this nagging urge to go out and be on my own and discover. I knew what I wanted, I just needed a little nudge.

Then, finally it happened. The catalyst for that was Andria Lindquist'sOh Sh!t Workshop. I was fortunate enough to learn from the very woman who has inspired my brand, my business, and my craft since the beginning. She is something I have looked up to since I was probably 17 years old. She's fierce. She's smart. She's fucking talented. Most of all, her brand is wholeheartedly herself and she is wholeheartedly herself. No one else.

Seven other creative ladies and I resided in the most poppin' house in Vail, ate an insane amount of delicious vegan food, and probably drank too much wine. We learned from the Kween herself and gained valuable insights into bettering ourselves and our business, but my favorite part was the lack of photography speak. We talked about life. About love. About hardships. About successes. I was the youngest in the group, per usual, and I soon realized, "Shit. I need to get out there." Let's stop making excuses for the things I want to do and just go fucking do them.

And so, I traveled to the PNW for a week, and put myself out there. I produced and shot two styled elopements with various creatives in the city, photographed a totally random couple, and got tattooed. I even went to a cat cafe and I almost cried in elation. Hey, we even got those two elopements published! Stuff like this seems so simple because all you normally see is the results, but truth, it was took a lot of me to do this, and I'm really proud of myself.

My struggles and ability to pick my self back up allowed me to shoot with a different perspective. That sounds lame. I'm pretty sure I said the same exact thing last year, but even so. If you look at my work from last year and compare it to this year, it's a lot different. Better? I'd like to think so, but it's different. It's grittier. Moodier. More intimate. I've pushed myself to shoot less, but shoot with more thought and purpose. I only took on the clients I was superbly jazzed about-the people who understood my perspective and wanted something a little less wedding-y or senior-y and a lot more depth. Dealing with the loss of a long term companion also changed my perspective on how I shoot and interact with couples and my need for independence changed the way I work with my seniors. Instead of filling them up with fluff, I hope to encourage them to be the best they can be and see the beautiful in not only themselves, but everything else around them.

A lot of things happened this year. Not only did I face a loss of a love, but also dealt with death for the first time with my oldest friend and my childhood dog. I experienced a lot of "failure" and felt a strong sense of worthlessness for quite some time. But it wasn't all that bad. I met a lot of new people, was featured in a lot more in our beautiful local community, traveled more than I ever have, and most of all, found a sense of comfort and independence with myself. Hey, I even got a kitty out of everything, and I honestly couldn't be happier with where I'm at. I've put my heart into what I do, and I hope what I do evokes something inside of you.

"Yeah, I got this for like three bucks at the thrift store," as her freckled face erupts with joy and pride.

YAAAAS KWEEN.

Whoever said you gotta spend a crap ton of money to look good was full of it. As a high school senior it's sometimes hard to get wrapped up in the constant everyday struggle of looking good, or even as a female in day and age of social media, looking good for the 'gram is equally as important. But there's a uniqueness about Hannah that doesn't allow her to give into the everyday pressures. Thrift Queen is a name I'd like to own someday (to go alongside the heavily coveted Nap Queen).

This girl knows whats up.

There was an enthusiasm and confidence I appreciated about Hannah as well. She's oh so down to earth and went along with my scattered antics and experimental adventures. She even thought my signing and dancing was entertaining, so you know she's got a great sense of humor. Hugs + kisses to such a special gal.

Don't forget about my girl Jen on that hair and make up. She adds the ssszzzzzz in the sizzle.

Mara is another one of my seniors reps for the Class of 2017. She's a bombshell babe from SPCPA, who is an incredibly talented dancer with a bubbly personality [and amazingly beautiful hair].

I love shooting kids from SPCPA because they are all fearless in their own way. Whether that be dancing, acting or musical performance, each student has their own unique voice, developed discipline, and want to be heard. However, they also have interests that go well beyond their love for their art. Their perspective is incredibly different given their untraditional schooling, each with a maturity and independence well beyond what me or any of my friends were at the age of 17. Aka they're like the coolest high school kids ever.

Mara is no different. She's a poised and beautiful dancer [and pretty freakin' rad], but you already knew that. Additionally, she's involved with student council at her school and says environmental justice is one of her other passions outside of dance. She's always ready to lend a helping hand and is willing to take a risk even if the odds are stacked up against her. That's what makes Mara a fearless senior from the Class of 2017.

If you are a fearless senior, tell me why. I can't wait to tell your story.